Carnival-GiGi-Piano

 We got some last minute tickets to a little carnival so I took these three and they had a blast with the free food (free cotton candy!!!).  We got to see a little magic show, eat more free cotton candy, snow cones, hot dogs and soda.  My kids were in serious heaven, the face painting was even free. All thanks to our awesome neighbors that are moving in a couple weeks:(

 We had a birthday party for Grandma Bonnie.  She turned 86 and is still doing great, a little slower, but great.  Sarah and I managed to get all the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids to write her letters.  She loved it and I am so glad she was able to read them all and feel of our love for her.  She has done so much for so many people, I hope she realizes how much we all love her.  I got to take her out to lunch a week or so ago and while we had a wonderful and delicious time at Brick Oven, she was so much slower and more frail than usual.  I will treasure the conversations we have been able to have this last year and those in the future as I keep taking her out every month.

 Callie has joined the ranks of the other kids as a piano student.  She couldn't be happier and this last Monday was able to purchase things from Tomie's store so she is even more excited about this new part of her life.  She is almost always so eager to do her practice and I am so impressed at her success so far.  During the second week of school she got a random fever so I kept her home from school.  She took some meds and felt fine the rest of the day.  She did her piano, helped me pick strawberries and weeds and then also found a crazy big praying mantis.  While it was fun to have her at home with me again, she was VERY happy to go back to school the next day.

Soccer Season

 We had 3 kids in soccer this fall and it was quite the season.  Callie's team won most of her games and she was always in a defense position.  She isn't super aggressive but she is good at getting the ball away from her goal.  Greg was the coach for Nathan and Ryan's team and it was a tough year.  They lost every single game.  Nathan and Ryan were some of the best and were so fun to watch.  The hardest part was kids wouldn't show up and there would be no subs so the boys were exhausted.  By the last game they were playing SO much better but it still wasn't enough.  That last game there was an amazing lightening storm happening that was incredible to watch, on the field and then from our car when it got too close.  I was so proud of Greg and my boys for sticking it out and trying their best every game.

We Survived

 After the first day of school we headed to Froyo for some pricey refreshments and a chance to put our feet up.  We survived day 1!  I love little traditions like this, even though they cost a lot, because they bring us all together and we can chat and laugh and relax together.

By the end of the first week we definitely needed a big late night.  We had lots of friends over plus a campfire with s'mores.  It was loud and crazy but at the very end of the night it was just the 6 of us and I loved sitting around a campfire together and chatting, enjoying the warmth and being in nature.  I really hope that we make time to camp as a family next summer.

1st Official Day

 What in the world?!  I have a 1st, 5th, 7th and 9th grader!!!!! Where has the time flown?!  I can't believe it, even when it is right in front of me.  These kids have been rocking school so far this year.  I got to spend the whole first day of school with my kiddos and the rest of the Probitas house.  Meadow started things off with a bang like usual.  They made an awesome video of the staff climbing Bridal Veil Falls and then they did an amazing drum performance to Geronimo.  I posted the video on facebook and it had over 60K views!!  I did not realize that was a possibility and it caused some weird friend invites, but I love all the positive attention the school got that they deserved.  Here is to another great year of getting older and wiser, too!

Last Days Before School

 On the last day of summer vacation, Ryan had 7th grade day.  The Meadow teachers were there cheering them all on.  I have been so worried about Ryan going into 7th grade.  So far he has far surpassed my expectaitions and is doing amazing!

 Last walks, last trips to the pool, last extra time to make yummy snacks, last relaxed sibling days and last naps for Dad (just kidding on that last one).

 We had a family BBQ when Devin rolled into town.  Greg made his amazing borscht and the girls put on an amazing hula hoop show.  Ready or not, here we come school!